Police Office Barron Baldwin was terminated from his employment with the City of Des Moines on October 31, 2004, for his on-duty conduct involving an informant and untruthful statements made during a subsequent internal investigation. An independent arbitrator, mutually selected by the City of Des Moines and the Des Moines Police Guild, has upheld the termination of former Officer Baldwin.

A statement has been made by the [Seattle] media to the public that the Des Moines Police Department is “torn apart” over this incident. This statement is inaccurate and untrue. While it is true that the Police Guild and the Police Department Administration had different viewpoints and represented different interests in this case, both the Police Guild and the Police Department Administration maintain they have a good working relationship and have a healthy organization.

The termination of Baldwin and the events precipitating the termination are unfortunate for a variety of reasons. Some of the information presented in this case was not clear cut but there are certain rules and boundaries which officers can not cross. The arbitrator has ruled that Baldwin stepped over some of those boundaries.

Both the Police Guild and the Police Department Administration believe it is important for the public to understand the Police Department is not divided because of this incident. Each has different roles and responsibilities but both are confident of the processes in place to protect the interest of both the public and the police department employees. The relationship between the Police Guild and the Police Department Administration during this situation has been both professional and cordial. The current relationship is very positive.

Members of the Des Moines Police Department are saddened about the entire event. We firmly believe any decision reached by the arbitrator would not have created any winners. The Police Department Administration and Police Guild also believe that certain events which unfolded on the evening of October 22, 2003, did not reflect the highest levels of public service that are the goal of everyone at the Des Moines Police Department. The Police Guild will continue to work with and support the Police Department Administration in a common effort to maintain the highest level of public service to our community.

Roger A. Baker

Chief of Police

Ross Stuth

Guild President